Karl-Anthony Towns is no stranger to speaking out when it matters most-and this weekend, the Knicks star used his platform to address a tragedy that’s shaken the Minnesota community where he spent the first nine years of his NBA career.
In the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis ICU nurse, Towns took to social media with a message that was both heartfelt and urgent. “What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness,” he wrote.
“These events have cost lives and shaken families - and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are.”
Towns, now a five-time All-Star, also extended his condolences to the families of Pretti and Renée Good, another Minnesota resident whose life was lost earlier this month during an immigration stop. “My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti,” Towns added. “I stand with the people of Minnesota.”
The shooting of Pretti occurred Saturday morning when a U.S. Border Patrol agent opened fire during what federal officials described as a self-defense situation.
According to their account, Pretti had stepped into an active confrontation between an immigration officer and a woman on the street. Authorities say Pretti was armed, though bystander videos reviewed so far do not show him holding a weapon.
Minneapolis’ police chief later confirmed that Pretti had a legal permit to carry a firearm.
This incident comes just weeks after the death of Renée Good on January 7, also during an immigration-related stop. The back-to-back tragedies have sparked widespread protests-not just in Minneapolis, but in cities across the country. The outcry has been loud and emotional, with demonstrators calling for answers, accountability, and systemic change.
In response to the rising tensions, the Timberwolves postponed their Saturday night matchup against the Golden State Warriors, citing the need to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” per a statement released by the NBA.
The emotional weight of the situation has rippled throughout the league. On ESPN’s NBA Tip-Off, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley didn’t hold back.
“It’s just sad,” Barkley said. “It’s scary and it’s sad.
It’s already ended badly twice. Somebody has got to step up and be adults because two people have died for no reason, and it’s just sad.”
Towns’ voice carries particular weight here. His ties to Minnesota run deep-not just professionally, but personally.
He was the face of the Timberwolves for nearly a decade, and he’s been open about his own experiences with grief and loss. When he speaks, especially on matters this serious, people listen.
This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about community, justice, and the kind of leadership that transcends the court. Towns has once again shown he’s willing to use his platform to stand up for what he believes in-and in moments like these, that kind of leadership matters more than ever.